Robert Avery Selleck

Robert “Bob” Avery Selleck, age 80, of Houghton Lake passed away  at home on October 9, 2021, with his loving children by his  side.  

Bob was born in Owosso, Michigan, on January 9, 1941, to William  A. & Jean R. Selleck. Bob married his high school sweetheart,  Nancy K. Swanson, in September of 1961, and that was the  beginning of their amazing journey together ... four kids, self-employed business owners, a simple home with lovely gardens,  their beloved cottage retreat & five grandchildren to love. 
 
Bob spent his career with Selleck Office Supply, Inc., initially  working alongside his father, and in the mid ‘70s, took over the  operations as owner. He was a good businessman and employer,  cared for his employees, and also for his loyal customers, some  of whom became lifelong friends. 

 In 2002, he and Nancy had the good fortune of selling their  business and retiring to beautiful Houghton Lake, a place that  Bob cherished and so deeply loved for his entire life. He knew  and appreciated that since 1938, the cottage brought people  together, formed friendships, served as a haven for family and would forever be a place where friends are always welcome. “If  the garage door is open, come on in!” 

Duck Camp. Most of that is censored. What can be shared is that  for 65 years, the best friends in the world have come together from near & far to spend a long weekend raising hell & having  fun! 

Over the course of 46 years, Bob touched countless lives through  his commitment to AA. Through divine intervention, he made the  choice to live a better life and never looked back. With that  decision came peace & serenity, which opened the door to love &  joy. Sobriety is a gift, and he was so very grateful for it. Thank you to his AA community for holding him close all of these  years and sharing this special fellowship with him.

 
Bob was an avid golfer and loved the game. Any chance he had, he  was on the course. He was a member of two leagues, treasurer of  both, and also played with a travel group around Northern  Michigan. A spirited card game with his dearest friends always  followed Monday night golf.

He also loved fishing for walleye on Houghton Lake. He was best  known as “Captain Bob” and always willing to share time with  friends and family on the water. 

He was a longtime member of the Elks and loved Friday night  dinner & dancing. He was a volunteer for Tip Up Town USA for  many years, before heading south to Florida with his wonderful  friend Mary Boyle. They welcomed family to visit, and happy  memories were made in Dunedin. 

Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Nancy K. Selleck; his father, William A. Selleck; mother, Jean R.  Selleck; sister, Margaret “Maggie” A. Selleck. Surviving are his sister, Randy Sue (Jon) Swartzmiller of St. Petersburg, FL; his  children, Robert Selleck of Charlevoix; Syndee (David) Malek of  Canton; Shannon (Jim) Sprague of Grand Rapids; Brett (Jackie)  Selleck of Grand Rapids; Grandchildren, Hanna Sprague & Steven  Sprague of Los Angeles, CA; and William, Claire & Leah Selleck  of Grand Rapids. He is also survived by dear friends and  cousins, too numerous to count, but so loved that they will never be forgotten. 

Family & friends will gather for a Celebration of Life, with  Pastor Jim Dyke presiding, on October 21, 2021, at The Barn at  Higgins Lake, 5076 N Flint Road, Roscommon, MI, at 11:30 AM.  A luncheon will follow the service. 
In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to  express sympathy to consider making a donation to Munson  Healthcare Hospice or a favorite charity of their choice. 

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